If you’re having trouble focusing or feeling energized, fatigue might be to blame. But how does it differ from regular exhaustion and — more importantly — what are the causes of fatigue?
Think you’re just tired? Check out this article on ways you are sabotaging your sleep.
What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is the strange and lingering tiredness that persists after normal drowsiness should wear off. It is unexplained, constant, and relapsing exhaustion throughout the day. In most cases, if you are experiencing fatigue there is likely a reason.
The Causes of Fatigue
Though there are many causes of fatigue, there are two primary categories:
- Lifestyle
- Physical factors
Lifestyle Causes of Fatigue
- Strenuous physical exertion
- Lack of exercise
- Lack of sleep
- Weight gain and obesity
- Emotional stress
- Boredom
- Grief
- Certain medications
- Overuse of alcohol
- Not eating a nutrient-rich diet
Physical Factors That Cause Fatigue
- Anemia
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Infections, such as cold and flu
- Addison’s disease, a disorder that can affect your hormone levels
- Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid
- Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia
- Autoimmune disorders
- Congestive heart failure
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
When Are You Too Tired?
When fatigue persists for prolonged periods of time — often weeks — there may be an underlying condition. Though you might just need to get some sleep, if you are experiencing persistent fatigue you should talk to your doctor.
If you want other helpful tips to keep you energized as you age, check out our FREE e-book Living and Aging the Way You Want. Inside you will find helpful bits of advice on living your best life. Download your PDF by clicking the icon below.
Life Enriching Communities, Inc. (LEC), is an integrated family of lifestyle communities and senior living services in greater Cincinnati. Best known for our Twin Towers and Twin Lakes senior living communities, we have made aging well a top priority for nearly 120 years.
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